Nonskid attachment for shoes



y 2, 1940; Q 7 v. TCHETCHET 2,206,135

NONSKID ATTACHMENT FOR SHOES Filed Nov. 25. 1938 INVENTOR AT ORNEY Patented July 2, 1940 UNITED STATES 4 Claims.

This invention relates to an anti-skid device to be used in connection with the shoe of a person to facilitate traction, and. to avoid skidding on ice in particular, and may also be used to advantage in athletic games, such as golf, track, or hiking, and the like.

In particular, it is desired to provide a device which may be easily attached to any shoe asthe occasion arises, and likewise detached just as readily.

It is further desired to provide a framework for holding the necessary spikes or cleats which is of the simplest form, and which can be economically manufactured, and at the same time withstand the hard usage to which such a device would be put.

In order to accomplish a satisfactory support for the shoe, and to rigidly hold the spikes or cleats firmly in position, an ingenious form of the so-called lazy tong construction has been used, wherein the spikes themselves form the pivot points, and thereby remove practically all pressure strain from the framework itself. It will be apparent that the lazy tong construction is particularly adapted to the adjustments required in fitting such a device to a shoe. The device is preferably made in a size suitable for a medium sized shoe, and due to the peculiar action of the lazy tong, a shoe of much wider or narrower width may be accommodated.

It is particularly important to emphasize the fact that this construction depends for'its adjustment entirely upon a pivotal action, and there are no slides to become frozen when used in snow or ice. Furthermore, any tendency to freeze is easily broken, due to the powerful lever action of the lazy tong upon the joint which might be so effected.

In order to attach the lazy tong construction to the sole it is preferred to provide three simple hook-type cleats which may be hooked over the edge of the sole of the shoe. It is preferred to use three cleats as this permits adjustment to any shape of sole. Obviously, other means than the hooked-shaped cleats may be provided without departing from the scope of the invention.

The spikes may be of any shape or design which would adapt themselves to gripping the surface upon which the device would be used.

In order to facilitate easy attachment and detachment from the shoe, it is preferred to close the lazy tongs into a gripping position by means of one or more tension springs.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in the accompanying drawing forming a part of the specification, and in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the three-clamp device attached to the sole of a shoe and ready for use.

Figure 2 is a perspective vview of the two-clamp device attached to the shoe and ready for use.

Figure 3 is a section taken on the line 3-3 in Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a section taken on the line 4-4 in H Figure 1.

Figure 5 is an elevation showing a modified form of spike construction.

PATENT OFFICE A Similar reference numerals refer to similar parts throughoutthe drawing.

In the drawing, l is a shoe sole to which the device is to be clamped. 2 is the edge of the sole. 3 is the top of the shoe. 4 is one of the diagonal members in the device. 5 is a similar diagonal member. 6 is a longer diagonal member, and 1 is a duplicate of 6. 8 is an angle-shaped clip adapted to engage the edge of the sole.

Referring to'Figure 1, the arrangement of these parts is shown, and it will be noted that at each of the terminals of the parts described there is a spike 9 which has a rivet I 0 formed integrally thereon. Likewise, a 'spike 9 with a rivet formed thereon passes through the overlapped members 6 and 1, forming a hinge point at this position. It will be noted from the construction that all of the spikes with their rivets formed thereon act as pivot points for the extension or contraction of the lazy tong mechanism. This arrangement is ideal for the purpose in hand, in that it provides all of the mechanism required for complete adjustment, and at the same time permits a combining of the pivoting rivets with the spikes themselves. This is particularly important in that the pressure from the sole of the shoe is transmitted through the pivot points to the spikes, which actually engage the traction surface. Obviously, the hooked clips may be placed with two clips adjacent the ball of the foot, and the single clip at the outer edge of the sole of the shoe, which is the preferred arrangement, or the device works equally as well if the reverse attachment is made. It will be noted that at no point in the lazy tong lever mechanism is there set up any pressures fromthe spikes except at the hinge points. This is important in that it removes all danger of bending the levers.

In order to retain the device in position, one or more coil springs II are attached between the levers of the lazy tong in such a manner as to close the clips against the edge of the shoe, and

to retain them in that position by a constant tension. Obviously, other means might be provided to efiect this same purpose, such as a cam action, or screw. It will be noted that thepreferred closing means, namely, a coiled tension spring, is located in such a way as to avoid interference with the spikes or the closing or opening of the lazy tong levers. This type of spring is not easily damaged by contact with the ground or even stones, as the spring has great resistance to bending when wound in a coil shape. Continuous tests have shown that the spring will stand the greatest abuse without being deformed in any way.

It is of course understood that the clips as well as all other hinging points are closed loosely in order to permit a free hinging action at each pivot point.

In order to effect the greatest traction with the surface upon which the device is to be used, it has been found that for general use a short, cone-shaped spoke is desirable, and this is shown throughout the general drawing. On ice, it has ben found that although short, cone-shaped spikes are good, another form of spike contact provides a double engagement-Figure 5-which immediately takes hold of the ice and prevents slipping in any direction. Obviously, a number of forms of spikes may be used, each adapted to its particular purpose.

Figure 2 shows a simplified construction in which the linkage elements l2 are all of approximately the same length and which are hinged, as previously described, by the combined spike 9 and rivet H). In this instance only two of the clips 8 are used, and this obviously provides the advantage of easy fitting of the device to the shoe sole. The clips 8 are closed in against the edge of the sole of the shoe, and retained in position by the spring H. In order to hold the clips 8 firmly against the edge of the sole and to prevent slipping, the edges of the clips are formed with sharp burrs I3 which bite into the sole. In the event that it is desired to permanently attach either of the clips to the sole of a shoe, the clips are provided with holes M through which a nail l5 may be driven. This is particularly desirable for golf or hunting shoes.

Having described the invention, what is claimed as new and is desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. In a nonskid attachment for shoes, an expansive linkage mechanism adapted to seat upon the sole of the shoe, angle clips pivoted thereto and adapted to engage the edge of the sole of the shoe, traction elements mounted on the said linkage mechanism, and resilient means to retract the said angle clips on the sole of the shoe and to retain them in position thereon.

2. In a nonskid attachment for shoes, an expansive linkage mechanism adapted to seat upon the sole of the shoe, angle clips pivoted thereto and adapted to engage the edge of the sole of the shoe, traction elements mounted on the said linkage mechanism, and spring means to retract the said angle clips on the sole of the shoe and retain them in position thereon.

3. In a nonskid attachment for shoes, an expansive linkage mechanism comprising a plurality of links pivotally connected, a plurality of angle clips attached to the links at the pivot points and adapted to engage the edge of the sole of a shoe, traction elements mounted on the said linkage mechanism, and resilient means to retract the said angle clips and to retain the attachment in position on the sole of the shoe.

4. In a nonskid attachment, expansive linkage mechanism adapted to seat upon and engage the sole of a shoe, bifurcated traction elements positioned at the pivot points of the mechanism and resilient means to retain the mechanism on the shoe.

VICTOR TCHETCHET. 

